According to a 2023 study by Narrative Research, stress levels among Canadians are on the rise. The study’s findings showed that 40 percent of polled individuals indicated they are experiencing more stress than a year ago. Juggling the many demands of life, such as work and family, can take a toll on your body. It is only natural for you to seek out ways to alleviate the stress and the symptoms that accompany it.

Whether you are looking for a way to unwind from a hectic week at work or recover from an injury, deep tissue massage can help. But how often should you schedule a session without overdoing it? In this post, we will explore factors that influence the ideal frequency of deep tissue massage for different needs.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a technique that uses direct pressure to target layers of muscle and connective tissue that lie far below your body’s surface. The technique involves slow strokes and friction that go against the grain of muscle. Given the penetrative nature of deep tissue massage, it is ideal for treating chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues such as sports injuries.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage holds many benefits for your physical and mental health. These include:

  • alleviating lower back tightness and pain.
  • easing muscle soreness and tension.
  • relieving chronic pain associated with other health conditions.
  • reducing stress and anxiety by improving relaxation.
  • improving recovery from athletic injuries.
  • breaking down scar tissue from old injuries.
  • enhancing flexibility and circulation.

How Often Should You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?

The ideal frequency for deep tissue massage varies for everyone. Below are common factors that influence the recommended frequency of sessions.

Health Conditions

Chronic health conditions and injuries can substantially impact the recommended frequency of deep tissue massage. For individuals who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, bi-weekly sessions of deep tissue massage can help control pain and discomfort. Over time, as muscles get stronger, sessions can be reduced. While there are conditions that would benefit from regular sessions, there are those that could be worsened by deep tissue massage. As a result, you should consult a healthcare provider and a massage therapist before starting a course of treatment.

Physical Activity

Athletes or individuals who participate in high-intensity workouts will require more sessions than those who live a sedentary lifestyle. Given the incredible strain muscles go through in high-performance situations, regular massage therapy can help to prevent injury, improve circulation during performance, and increase range of motion and flexibility. Regular sessions can also help to improve recovery from injury.

Goals

Your personal goals are also a factor that determines the frequency of deep tissue massage therapy sessions. If your main goal is to improve or maintain general well-being and alleviate everyday stress, a monthly session is enough to help you achieve that outcome. On the other hand, if the aim is recovery from injury or to improve chronic pain, you may need more frequent sessions to address the issue. An initial assessment with your massage therapist can help determine the work required to get you where you want to be.

Finding the Right Deep Tissue Massage Routine with Movéo

Are you ready to prioritize your health and start a journey to lasting wellness? Movéo Sport and Rehabilitation Centre can help! We understand your needs are unique, and our team of professionals will work with you to craft a care program that will address your concerns and achieve maximal health. We are here to guide you in finding the right program and schedule to suit your goals and lifestyle.

Call our Walnut Grove office at 604.371.4771 or our North Vancouver location at 604.984.8731 to schedule a session and step into wellness today, or visit our website to book directly.